Marlborough people are being asked to get their walking boots on when the town plays host to the Prospect Hospice Starlight Hike on Saturday, September 15.
Last year’s event raised £10,000 for the Hospice and this year, in order to grow the event even further, fundraisers at the hospice have opened the event up to men and women acknowledging that men are also looking for a challenge in support of Prospect Hospice.
Becky Gammon, the event organiser, explained: “We’ve renamed this event the Starlight Hike to reflect the fact that the event is very different to the Swindon Starlight Walk. Whilst the Swindon event takes place mainly on well-lit roads through the town, the Marlborough Hike goes along byways and footpaths in the countryside.
“There are a few slopes to climb, a couple of muddy tracks, and of course the whole thing takes place at night, which means you could find yourself walking through the Wiltshire countryside at night. We make sure that the whole walk is well-signposted and marshalled, of course, so that people can just enjoy themselves, but the 15km hike is still pretty demanding.
Mayor Edwina issues her own the Starlight Hike appeal
Marlborough’s Mayor, Councillor Edwin Fogg, has given her personal support to the Starlight Hike. “When I became Mayor I announced that I was going to revive the traditional Beating of the Bounds walk with a view of raising money for my chosen charity, the Prospect Hospice,” she told Marlborough News Online. “Since then the Hospice have asked me to be an ambassador for their Starlight Hike. I felt that it would be a bridge too far to canvass support for another long walk for the same cause so soon after this one, especially as it was likely to involve participation of the same constituency of people. “Therefore, I am appealing to people to support this worthiest of causes by walking or sponsoring the hikers who have signed up. |
“We also recognised that it’s an event men might enjoy too, so we’ve decided, a first for our Starlight events, to open registrations to everyone. We’re hoping that ladies who took part last year might like to invite their male family members and friends along this time too.
“It would also be great to see local businesses getting involved, by entering office or workplace teams. Just give us a call and we can get you registered.”
The event is supported by St John’s School, where the 15k route starts and ends, and by caterers Pabulum, who will be supplying refreshments at the end of the walk. The Hike is also supported by Aspire Signs and Graphics who provided banners and graphics for the event.
A map and details of the route are available on Prospect’s website where you can also register for £15 per person, which includes your red, white and blue themed event t-shirt.
To register for the walk please go to www.prospect-hospice.net/marlboroughstarlight or for further information email fundraising&events@prospect-hospice.net or call fundraising on 01793 816161.
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